There’s no medium two-time Tony winner Christine Ebersole hasn’t left her mark on. She’s an Emmy-nominated TV star who appeared on Saturday Night Live, One Life to Live, The Cavanaughs, Royal Pains and the current TBS sitcom Sullivan & Son. To generation of ‘90s kids, Ebersole delighted us in the movies that made our childhoods (Richie Rich, My Girl 2, Black Sheep and that made for TV movie of Gypsy—can I get an amen?). Then there’s her illustrious Broadway career that spans nearly 40 years, 12 Broadway shows and includes two Tony Awards (42nd Street and Grey Gardens). Now, Ebersole returns to the New York nightclub scene with her first new show in years, Big Noise from Winnetka, playing at 54 Below through September 20. Below, BroadwayBox chats with the stage and screen darling about Joni Mitchell, Sweeney Todd and her favorite mocktail.
1. Where did the title Big Noise from Winnetka come from?
The song that is the title of the show, and it’s kind of a throw away piece to describe where I grew up, Winnetka Illinois. It’s an evening of songs that have personal resonance to me, and it’s very eclectic. We do folk and rock and Broadway and jazz. We cover the waterfront in terms of musical styles.
2. What was the album you wore out in high school?
Any Joni Mitchell album.
3. Where do you keep your two Tony Awards?
In a bookcase in my living room—just a little off to the side.
4. Inspired by your current show Sullivan & Son: if someone walked into a bar and ordered a Christine Ebersole, what are they drinking?
Club soda with pineapple juice and lime—it’s my favorite mocktail.
5. Finally, if I had $10 million and said, ‘Christine, I want to see you on Broadway next season,’ what are we doing?
There are so many roles I’d love to play. I’d love to do Sweeney Todd. I saw the definite version in London with Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, and after I saw it I was like, ‘Well I don't need to do it now because it was so done.’ And I think Stephen Sondheim said the same thing. It was hair-raising; I was at the edge of my seat.
Christine Ebersole stars in ‘Big Noise from Winnetka’ at 54 Below through September 20.
